Suburban bed ideas?

[Glenns66]

Hi guys
I'm looking to replace the wood bed in my 66 suburban.

I would like to know what others are using instead of the traditional 3/4 plywood?

Could I replace it with the wood boards and metal straps that you find in the beds of trucks?

Thank you for your feedback

[sk8er32283]

I do not have enough expertise to be certain but I think that the bed from a truck would be to flimsy and the mounting would probably be a nightmare.

Based on your post, it seems as though you are going to leave it uncovered. You may consider still using the 3/4 plywood, but do a wood veneer on top of it. Another possibility is to do the 3/4 plywood, but get someone to do some mill work that would leave you will grooves to mount the bed strips into. This would give you the best of both worlds.

[Glenns66]

Good info. I think I could put extra metal support underneath the bed to strengthen up the structure. You may be right though, I'm on the fence. Maybe I sould just keep it simple.

[64k10burb]

I have not looked that close yet either, but I agree that simple is good!

If I were going for a nice wooden floor look, I would stick with 3/4 ply and add 1/4 hardwood ply (can be had in red oak white oak,walnut,etc.) cut into strips and machined to accept the metal strips. That should give a very similar look without too much hassle.

Things to consider are gas tank, brake/fuel lines, and cross-member locations for accessibility/damage while drilling/bolting the strips.

[Glenns66]

Great reply that might be my opinion!

[notsolo]

This 1 turned out very nice, 4th photo from the bottom... I think he put a 1/4" hardwood ply over 3/4 ply,... you would have to Pm him about his build.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1992

[Brad54]

Panel trucks came with wood planks like a pick-up bed, so it probably wouldn't be too difficult to replicate that.

-Brad

[Glenns66]

Thanks